Recall 23V801 affects 5,118 2022-2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV trucks because SYNC software can leave ESC inactive. Free repair at a Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 5,118 of its 2022-2023 F-150 Lightning BEV trucks because SYNC software can fail to activate electronic stability control at the start of an ignition cycle. If the system stays off, a driver can unknowingly drive without ESC, increasing crash risk, and Ford dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The APIM in the 2022-2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV is the module behind the SYNC screen and related vehicle settings. On these trucks, it helps the 15-inch touchscreen store and apply drive-mode choices, including settings that affect electronic stability control. ESC is the system that helps reduce skidding by braking individual wheels and adjusting power when the truck starts to slide.
The problem started after over-the-air update 6.3.0 installed SYNC software version 1.9.4. That software stored the last selected drive mode when the truck was shut off. If Off-Road Mode was active, the reduced ESC setting carried into the next ignition cycle instead of returning to Ford's default ESC setting.
At key ignition, the cluster displays the "ESC Off" skidding-car telltale. That is the warning sign that the truck started with ESC reduced instead of in its normal default mode.
Who's affected?
The Ford component listed for this recall is the APIM, tied to electronic stability control.
| 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV | Electronic stability control (esc) |
|---|---|
| 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV | Electronic stability control (esc) |
| Units affected | 5,118 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
If ESC does not reset to active, the driver can unknowingly operate the vehicle without electronic stability control, which increases crash risk. Drive cautiously and schedule the software update soon. The "ESC Off" skidding-car telltale at startup is the warning sign to take seriously. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2022-2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free APIM software update that keeps electronic stability control active at the start of each ignition cycle.
- Ask whether your truck can receive the free software update over the air or needs a dealer visit.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V801 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the update is complete. Leave extra space and avoid aggressive maneuvers.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician updates the Accessory Protocol Interface Module software that runs SYNC on the F-150 Lightning BEV. Ford can also send the same APIM update through an over-the-air update. The update is free under the recall. Ford's standard reimbursement plan covers eligible documented costs paid before owner notification for this recall, with reimbursement eligibility estimated to end January 5, 2024. Bring prior APIM or SYNC software update paperwork to the service desk or contact Ford customer service.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 28, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 30, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| November 30, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 18, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 21, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V801?
Recall 23V801 covers 5,118 2022-2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV trucks with SYNC software that can fail to activate electronic stability control at the start of an ignition cycle. Ford will update the APIM software for free through a dealer or an over-the-air update.
What should I do if my 2022-2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 23V801. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask whether your APIM software update is available through the dealer or over the air. Reference Ford recall number 23C38 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ford's remedy for recall 23V801 is a free APIM software update. The update is handled by a dealer or through an over-the-air update.
Is it safe to drive my Ford F-150 Lightning BEV before the repair?
Ford did not issue a do-not-drive instruction for recall 23V801. The risk is that the driver can unknowingly operate without electronic stability control at the start of an ignition cycle, increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN and arrange the free APIM software update.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V801000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V801 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V801000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →